Directed by Tom Gormican (That Awkward Moment) and starring Nicolas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas; National Treasure: Book of Secrets; Captain Corelli's Mandolin; Con Air), Pedro Pascal (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent; Kingsman: The Golden Circle; Wonder Woman 1984; The Mandalorian (tv series)), Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip; The Card Counter; The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent; The Last O.G. (TV Series)) and Sharon Horgan (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent; Everybody's Talking About Jamie; Game Night; Military Wives).
Action Comedy; 107 mins; 12+
A very clever and witty, often hilarious, romp set mainly in Mallorca, Spain. After a (very) slow burn opening, the film comes alive once Nick Cage (Nicolas Cage), lands on the island to be paid €1m for attending a wealthy South-American's birthday party. By that stage, we understand the back-story where Nick Cage has a very rocky relationship with his ex-wife Olivia (Sharon Horgan) and 16 year-old daughter. He has been staying at a high-end hotel for months and has run up a bill of $600,000 which is agent is handling. His agent is very much a yes-man and relays the Mallorcan offer which Nick Cage accepts as he needs the money, after initially dismissing it.
On the island he meets Javi Gutierrez (Pedro Pascal) whom a CIA cell - led by Vivan (Tiffany Haddish) - believes is a drugs lord who has kidnapped the daughter of a candidate for their country's presidential election. Javi has also written a screenplay which he had sent to Nick's agent but, of course, Nick has not read it; however, Nick placates Javi by suggesting that they come up with a screenplay together. As they do so, they become unexpected friends. Things take a turn when Nick is co-opted to work for the CIA to spy on Javi, with unexpected results.
The key to this film is Nick's morphing into on-screen character at numerous stages throughout, primarily to gather confidence to face certain situations, and part to instil fear into his aggressors, just like his film characters have done over the years. Javi has known him just from his on-screen personas, so Nick is forced to live up to his own legend, based on his most iconic on-screen characters.
Chaotic at times, and definitely unique, but there is a storyline running the duration of the film. For Nicolas Cage fans, there are plenty of references to many of his films and characters he played, as well as specific situation in which he found himself. But you do not have to be a Nicolas Cage fan to enjoy this film, not at all.
Stick through the first 20 minutes and you should definitely enjoy it!
Currently screening in Luxembourg at Kinepolis.
